IN NEW ZEALAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 5 March 1912, Page 5

IN NEW ZEALAND.

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL EMPLOYEES. INCREASED WAGES GRANTED. AUCKLAND. Yesterday. The City Council met to-night and decided upon a general increase in wages to its labourers amounting to -£4OOO a year. A conference of 33 representatives of local bodies and contractors met in conference to-night, and in view of the action taken by the City Council, decided that it was unnecessary to hear deputations from the Federation of Labour The schedule, of wages nroposed by the Council was considered, and it was decided to a'£»ain consider it at a meeting of local bodies on Wednesday. The 'Mayor 'of Auckland denies the statement that- an organiser had recently been sent through th« Kim; Country and secured promise of assistance from the farmers in the v-'?nt of trouble.

WEST COAST MINERS' DEMANDS. WESTPORT, Monday. Conferences commence to-morrow between the representatives of the coal companies and Miners' Union regarding the men's demands; for new industrial agreements, covering increased demands. An amicable settlement is anticipated. STONEMASONS' DISPUTE SETTLED. CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. The Conciliation Council this morning arranged an agreement in the dispute between the Stonemasons* Union and employers virtually oh the" lines of the old award. Representatives of both sides praised the Arbitration Act, and expressed the opinion that it would be a bad day for New Zealand if the system were abolished. CONCILIATION V. STRIKES. ARBITRATION ACT WARMLY ENDORSED. CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. At the conclusion of the stonemasons' dispute the Hon. J. Barr, M.L.C., one of the Union's assessors, after thanking the Commissioner (Mr. J. R. Triggs) for his assistance in bringing about a satisfactory settlement, said that a, system such, as the one in force was far better than, the principle of strikes. At the Concilration conference they could discuss matters freely and fully in perfect good spirit and without bad feeling 1 . He reiterated his statement that the principle of conciliation and arbitration was far better than that of strikes. Mr. H. Pearce, who appeared on behalf of the Builders' Association, said h© felt sure it would be a very bad thing for the dominion when the Arbitration Act went out of existence. By it the unscrupulous employer was brought to heel every time. The Commissioner said that th e fact that 80" per cent, of disputes coming before the Conciliation Councils in the dominion reached an amicable agreement spoke for tiself. That was the strongest argument be could -use.

BAKERS* DISPUTE SETTLED. PREFERENCE CLAUSE AGREED TO. GREYMOUTH, Monday. The dispute between the West Coast master bakers and their employees was brought before 'Mr P. Hallv (Conciliation Commissioner) to-day. The' following agreement in regard to wages was arrived at:—Ordinary work, 60s ner week ; foremen's wages to be arranged between the parties; 48 hours a week ; a preference clause agTeed to, making it compulsory for non-unionists to become members within seven days after notice has been served.

BLT'FF WATERSIDE WORKERS. INYERCARGILL, Monday. The Blui'f waterside workers are evidently not satisfied with the present awaru, which came into force last year, and should not expire for another two years. It is understood that the new demands are on similar lines to those recently granted to the northern wharf labourers, and they have asked the shipping companies representatives to meet them in conference 011 March 14th. THE RECENT DUNEDIN CONGRESS. WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr. Moriarty. secretary to tile Eur- ! nituro Workers' Union, denies that- the recent trades congress Ik Id in Dunedin ;i/dviw<l cancellation under the Arbitration Act. The congress upheld the mfasure and counselled workers to retain connection with it. WESTPORT RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES. WESTPORT, This Day. A public meeting is called to discuss tlie grievances of the men in the W&stnort railway workshops.